Prepare for a Hurricane

Assemble a Hurricane Safety Kit containing:

• First aid kit and essential medications
• Fire Extinguisher
• Canned food and can opener
• Bottled Water
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and blankets
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

Also include in the kit written instructions for how to turn off your home's utilities.

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.

• A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
• A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediate
• The eye of a hurricane is the calm center of the storm. The worst parts of a hurricane come just before and after the eye has passed over your area.

  Prepare to secure your property.

• Cover all of your home's windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed.
• If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.

 When a hurricane is approaching

• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
• Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture, bicycles ... anything that could fly around and cause damage or blow away.
• Fill your car's gas tank and prepare to evacuate if told to do so.
• If you are told, evacuate as soon as possible.
• If you are not advised to evacuate, prepare to stay inside, away from the windows.

After the hurricane is over

• Listen to the radio for instructions.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Inspect your home for damage.

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